Could we make it a sort of Aotea Square? A central city meeting point that can be transformed for events or simply enjoyed as a spot to gather or relax.
Look at the success of the Hairy Maclary statues on the waterfront. There is always a crowd around the sculptures. It'd be the ideal spot for more public art.
The possibilities are endless.
The whole civic campus would not have to go. Leave the library, that would fit well with a cultural centre or community hub.
The least affected areas of the council building could also stay and the new development could be worked around it.
Of course, all of that costs money.
The current councillors have been focusing on keeping debt levels down and that is important.
The cost has to be justifiable - and another site for the civic campus would have to be found to house the council staff currently displaced thanks to the toxic black mould.
I am glad all options are being considered though.
It may turn out to be only slightly more expensive than fixing the mouldy offices and it could be a worthwhile investment, which would serve the city well as it grows in the years to come.
It's a prime central city site, almost too good to be used only as offices, and now is the perfect time to consider its future.
